How should a novice check brake pad thickness?

[Allen42]

I've read up and watched some youtube, but I'm wondering what is a reliable way for a novice to check brake pad thickness until this novice learns by sight?

I don't mean how to get to the pads for inspection ... I know how to do that.

I'm asking for what's a non subjective "that looks like at least 1.0 - 1.5mm to me" method of checking them?

I saw one guy that used a 1mm wire, and if the clearance between the rotor and backing plate allowed him to still "jiggle" the wire, he felt he was good. That looks easy enough. I'm thinking maybe a thin coat hanger?

I see BajaRon refer to a credit card thickness as about 1mm, I could maybe try that with an old cc.


What are your suggestions on how EXACTLY you would advise me to check my pad thicknesses?

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I've read up and watched some youtube, but I'm wondering what is a reliable way for a novice to check brake pad thickness until this novice learns by sight?

I don't mean how to get to the pads for inspection ... I know how to do that.

I'm asking for what's a non subjective "that looks like at least 1.0 - 1.5mm to me" method of checking them?

I saw one guy that used a 1mm wire, and if the clearance between the rotor and backing plate allowed him to still "jiggle" the wire, he felt he was good. That looks easy enough. I'm thinking maybe a thin coat hanger?

I see BajaRon refer to a credit card thickness as about 1mm, I could maybe try that with an old cc.


What are your suggestions on how EXACTLY you would advise me to check my pad thicknesses?

I have removed both sets of pads a few times to check the thickness of the pad material. When the pads are still fairly thick, you can see them easily (while they're mounted.) However, when they get thin, you won't be able to even come close to seeing how thick they are.... Ron has stated many times... most pads get changed way before they are due. Just remember the rear Pads wear out almost twice as fast as the fronts... Mike

 

[BajaRon]

Credit cards, by law, must be .76mm thick (or 0.0299 inches). Leave it to government to come up with such a wacky number.

So, if you can't get a credit card in-between the rotor and the pad backing with a little wiggle room, then you definitely need to change them. If you're close, you really need to check every pad front and back because checking just 1 of these 4 locations doesn't tell you the whole story. It is not uncommon for the pads, (especially the rear) to wear unevenly.

Be sure to clean all the contact surfaces and put a thin layer of anti-seize on the contact surfaces. This helps to insure even wear and smooth operation. Again, pay close attention to this detail at the rear. The rear caliper takes a lot of abuse. It needs a little extra attention.

I'm always encouraged when someone wants to do their own maintenance. Provide plenty of time and get help if needed. It can be very rewarding. And you will usually do a better job too!

 

[Redbeard]

A good tool to purchase would be a caliper measuring tool. A digital caliper can measure both in english and the metric system. They can be purchased at Amazon or Harbor freight at reasonable prices. Calipers are able to measure I.D's, O.D's and depth with the most common ones measureing up to 6" and usually accurate to .001". And once you start using one you will wonder why you haven't had one in your tool box all your life.

 

[Bfromla]

Possibly the vid you saw, recommended method:

https://youtu.be/Csji-2tfwAQ?si=MGjaXgIgU7_fthAI.

What you might have available to use as gauge - credit card, paper clips (Preferable thicker ones). I'd think a clothes hanger is possibly too thick & might scratch the rotor. Harbor Freight has automotive feeler gauges:

https://www.harborfreight.com/feeler-gauge-32-piece-63665.html

 

[Allen42]

Credit cards, by law, must be .76mm thick (or 0.0299 inches). Leave it to government to come up with such a wacky number.

And then there's the metal Amex cards, which are too thick to even get into some readers! lol